Requests

<> Demiurge says "Okay, Hitherby."

<> Demiurge says "You're on the roof of Sistine's. As well as everywhere else you currently are. ;)"

Hitherby basks quietly, unless it is night.

<> Demiurge says "The cat has given birth to kittens, which seem fit and healthy."

<> Demiurge says "Jordi has not as yet issued you with any further instructions."

<> Demiurge says "It is, at the moment, early evening, Hitherby. Below you Sistine's hums like a friendly hive."

<> Demiurge says "At this moment, Aron and Azalea turn up."

Hitherby tumbles off the roof and patters down onto Aron and Azalea's shoulders like rain, only shorter and with more legs.

Aron does, in fact, step out of his Audi, having arrived from the Dream Tether, presumably with Azalea in the other seat.

Azalea steps out of the car from the other side.

Hitherby patter-patter-chitter-hum. "Hey, guys."

Aron glances sidelong at some of the insects. "Hitherby."

Hitherby says "Aww, you guessed!"

Hitherby says "Haven't seen you much."

Aron glances at Azalea. Somewhat ruefully, he says, "We've been busy."

Hitherby hums thoughtfully. "Yah, I know how that goes. Kittens can be a handful."

Aron says "Kittens?"

Hitherby says "As one instance of the general class of things that are handfuls."

Aron nods, thoughtfully. "In this case, it was we who were the handful." He nods towards Sistine's. "Shall we?"

Hitherby hums, "I stay still; it is the world that moves. However, I expect that if you walk into Sistine's, your shoulders will follow inevitably."

Azalea steps towards the cafe.

Aron purses his lips thoughtfully. He makes his way into Sistine's.

Inside, the waiters are busy with the early-evening rush. Marath herself is in the kitchen, hair coming down from her bun, hands moving deftly. She glances up to smile.

Hitherby clings to shoulders, and remarkably enough, she winds up in Sistine's. "This," she thinks, "confirms my point."

Hitherby cleans several of her legs in polite greeting to the Seneschal.

Marath says, "You look well, both of you." She continues to stuff canneloni.

Aron smiles, in return. "The work has treated us so." He moves to the kitchen, making for the coffee pot.

Azalea finds herself a seat in the cafe.

Marath chuckles. "So, what can I do for you? Or is this purely a courtesy call?"

Hitherby mentally divides herself into two swarms as shoulders diverge.

Aron fills two cups of coffee, adding neither cream nor sugar to either. "Courtesy, certainly, but more than that." His lips quirk. "Join us when your duties allow?"

Azalea adds, "I do have a room here; where else would I go?"

Marath says, "Give me just a moment, and I'll be with you." She drizzles cheese sauce over the canneloni.

Azalea sits in silence at her table.

Marath does, indeed, come straight across once the canneloni is thrust into the oven, taking a seat at Azalea's table.

Marath asks, "How are things going?"

Hitherby hums, cheerfully, "Excellent."

Azalea says "Well enough."

Hitherby hums a melodic miauing noise, and then continues, "... is particularly interesting. I predict that she will be a scholar when she grows up."

Hitherby says, "She studies the wall so intently!"

Aron settles down at the table, himself, and offers Azalea the coffee. He cradles his own in both hands. "We have to find a Balseraph," he says without preamble.

Marath says, "Not for _my_ birthday present, please."

Aron's smile finds place in his eyes but not on his lips. "She was one of the victims."

Hitherby says, curiously, "There's always Terry ... oh, a specific one."

Marath says, "A victim of what or which or who?"

Azalea sips at her coffee.

Aron says "Nightmares."

Aron says "Specifically, the Bellmans Experiment."

Marath's face darkens. "I see. How do you propose to find her?"

Hitherby offers, "We used the big yellow book by the phone to find someone once."

Hitherby says, "I don't know if you were here for that."

Aron looks wry. "I have heard of such things before; but no, I didn't witness it."

Aron says "We have a compass."

Hitherby clicks. "Ah."

Marath nods.

Marath says, "May I see?"

Aron looks to Azalea.

Azalea holds out the compass to Marath, after digging in her pockets.

The compass is currently quiescent: a single blob of mercury floats at the centre of the golden circle, not pointing in any direction.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 2 3 CHECK: 3.

Marath blinks as she examines it. "Nice."

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, you may try a Per roll if you want."

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 1.

Aron says "The Lady's tools are often that, yes."

Hitherby wanders to the front edge of Azalea's shoulder to peer at it. She discovers it to be very round.

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, you fail to perceive anything interesting about the compass, alas."

Marath says, "Will it start working when you reach the same plane as this Balseraph?"

Azalea says "One can hope."

Aron nods.

Aron is quiet for a moment, then says, "We might require assistance."

Marath taps a finger on the table. "I can't go that far from the Tether. You know that, Aron. I _can't_."

Hitherby says, "One moment."

Hitherby says, "The 'same plane' is the Marches?"

Hitherby says, "I am looking very hopeful, although you may not be able to read this expression."

Hitherby's expression is indeed both indecipherable to non-insects and hopeful.

Aron nods to Marath. "I know," he says gently. "But the others can." To Hitherby, he says, "It would stand to reason."

Aron says "When last we saw Usha, Beleth was present."

Marath blinks. She takes a deep breath, then says, "I'm glad to see you both with skin still attached, then."

Hitherby sighs melodically. "I am pleased. I am not prepared for a journey into the Inferno."

Hitherby says, "For one thing, I would not know what to wear."

Hitherby says, "I can certainly join you in the Marches, although --" She reflects. "It is not the most congenial environment for me."

Aron nods. "We might need the others, as well."

Marath says, "Daimon is staying with Pat. I can give you their phone numbers if necessary. I've got Sarah's number too, and Shannen, and Phineas. Pat's probably got Eduardo's number and Zebina's number."

Marath says, "I imagine that Hitherby has an advantage, given she can be both here and there at the same time." She chuckles.

Aron nods, thoughtfully. "A distinct advantage."

Hitherby gives off a faint coughing noise.

Hitherby then says, "This is true as far as it goes. Understand that this is an effort beyond ordinary multiprocessing; if I wish to perceive and react to both worlds simultaneously, I am at half speed in each. I can, of course, adjust this, at some cost to -- well -- noticing what's going on in one world or another."

Aron nods. "I imagine it will be enough to have you in the Marches."

Aron says "That is where this affair will begin."

Hitherby adds, "I will also be weak, inordinately slow, unskilled, and many of my Songs will be rendered moot." She reflects. "This is not to say that I will not participate; simply that you should not expect the high level of competence you are used to observing from me."

Aron's lips quirk.

Marath points out, "But it will allow communication between people here and there."

Aron nods. "An unusual advantage. I am not accustomed to working with the Dominations."

Hitherby chitters agreeably. "That it will."

Hitherby adds, thoughtfully, "I should feel reasonably safe leaving a host under Marath's care, and ignoring it until communication is necessary. I will have to meditate on how much attention I need to devote to the little ones."

Aron settles back into his chair, and sips his coffee. "Her name is Usha."

Marath says, to Hitherby, "I'll be glad to look after a host here for you. No problems."

Aron considers the name. "Usha. That is a dancer's name." He shakes his head and sips his coffee.

Hitherby hums a few random notes. "Perhaps we should invest in a colorful bird with a clear voice; this would enliven your establishment and appeal to the customers as a quickly assembled swarm might not. When I am not wearing its form, I could teach it to say clever things; being multilingual is useful in this regard. For example, 'Sir, you have forgotten to pay.' Or 'Pardon me, but could you handle the menu with more respect?'"

Marath laughs. "I like that idea, as long as it won't make a nuisance of itself. I'll see what I can do."

Hitherby says, seriously, "Birds can be contentious and impolite; other species, however, are more civilized than humanity."

Marath says, "I'll see if I can find a quiet parrot." She glances at Aron. "What was this Balseraph like?"

Azalea says "Misguided."

Aron nods. "But not much more than that."

Aron says "She could serve Creation, on a brighter day."

Marath says, "Mm hm."

Aron says "She serves Gluttony, currently."

Aron's features harden. "Till the desire was corrupted, her intent was to honestly Redeem."

Marath says, practically, "It would sound as if most of those victims would have wanted to Redeem, if they were going to convince them that they *had* Redeemed."

Aron nods.

Hitherby reflects on this.

Hitherby says, "Then it is not simply duty but ethical necessity that we retrieve her."

Aron says "You imply a difference between the two."

Marath says, voice angry for the first time, "Strike a blow for me, my friends, for I cannot do so myself here."

Azalea looks at Marath, passively.

Hitherby says, "Ethical necessity includes duty, Taroniel, but not the other way around; did it so, then we should be machines."

Marath says, to Azalea, "What is it?"

Azalea says "I'm not sure I believe their desire to Redeem is true."

Azalea says "It could be merely a rationalization for what they thought they'd done."

Marath shrugs. "It's possible, yes."

Azalea says "I have redeemed, thus I must wish to be so."

Azalea says "But this judgment is not something given to me by my Lady to make."

Marath says, "I agree. I may be wrong myself. I only wish I could go with you to find out."

Marath takes a deep breath, clenches her hand, unclenches it.

The kitchen phone rings. Marath mutters, getting up.

Aron says, mildly, "Your anger will have representation, Marath."

Marath says, "Back in a moment," as she heads across. She nods to Aron.

Marath picks up the phone, and says, "Sistine's. Can I help you?"

Shannen takes a deep breath on her end of the phone "Heeeeeeeyyyy there! Is Marath around and available for talking?"

Marath chuckles, audible in the kitchen, and says, "Marath speaking. Shannen, is that you?"

Shannen pauses for a second, letting out the rest of her breath, before responding with a soft hrmph, "Am I getting that predictable? Yup, it's Shannen. Wow, how are you doing? How is Sistine's? How's business? How is anyone else you've seen? And did you see that documentary on the cherry trees this morning? Really neat, huh? I didn't know there was so much.. I don't know.. something, in those lovely blossoms."

Marath says, "Fine, fine, fine, fine, I've got Hitherby and Aron and Azalea here about something, and the cherry trees were beautiful. How are you?"

Shannen nods vehemently and flops down on her bed on her belly *floomf* "They are - a symbol of peace or something or other. I had the volume off on the TV most of the time." She gives a shrug and rolls onto her back "Ooooo, two of my favorite people, and someone else who most likely isn't one of my favorite people, but I'm willing to adapt." She pauses "I guess I'm okay. Not really a whole lot going on or anything like that - working on some social stuff or something like that."

Marath says, "That's nice, dear. Well, Aron actually has a job he'd appreciate some assistance on at the moment."

Shannen ooohs softly "Aron. He likes his coffee black." She grins "Ohoh .. what's the job?"

Marath looks thoughtful, and glances across. "Azalea, I've got Shannen on the line. She's a Mercurian of Flowers. Want to explain what you're up to? She may be able to help."

Azalea says "I can try."

Azalea says "I'm not sure I understand, myself."

Marath says, "Azalea will try and explain," down the phone to Shannen, then offers Azalea the receiver.

Azalea stands, moving to take the receiver from Marath. "Hello."

Azalea looks up at Marath. "This is a secure line?"

Marath says, "Mine certainly is. Check with her if hers is?"

Azalea asks into the receiver, "Is your line secure?"

Azalea says "If you're not certain, it might be better to come here."

Shannen puts a huge smile into her voice "Hey there! How are you? We've never met before, have we? I remember names pretty well and I don't think I've heard yours..." she pauses "Secure? Erm, well, this is the only phone that's on this line."

Azalea replies, blandly, "No, we've never met. Can you come here?"

Aron sips his coffee, quietly.

Shannen shrugs and rolls back onto her belly "I guess so. I'll have to take bus - or maybe a taxi - so it might take me a little while."

Hitherby hums, thoughtfully, "I believe she can heal the mind. I can't remember if I know this or if it simply fits her character. This is useful in a Marches expedition."

Azalea says "That's fine."

Shannen smiles in her voice again "GREAT! Okay, I'll be there soon as I can - umm, does anyone there need anything to be picked up along the way?"

Azalea says "Not that I know of."

Shannen says "Okay, well, I guess I'll be over soon. It's been really nice voice-meeting you, hope to see you soon!"

Azalea says "Goodbye," politely, and hangs up.

Shannen hangs up the phone as well, takes a few moments to -really really cat-just-waking-up-and-stretching-beyond-physiological-allowances- stretch, and then makes her way out to the bus stop, humming a happy tune.

Shannen (barring any weirdness) makes her way, via the wonders of public transportation, to the bastion of good food - Sistine's. A pause in the dining room, to ogle the wondrous food, before venturing forth into the dangers of the Back Room.

Marath is cooking, and waves Shannen over to where Aron, Azalea, and Hitherby are.

Shannen waves at Marath, being careful not to rush over and hug her "Marath! Hihi!" and then carefully rushes over to give hugs to the other people, with the probable exception of Hitherby "Oh wow! Hi everyone! How are you, how are the people you know, how was the coffee?"

Hitherbees, part of the swarm, flutter up and land on Shannen's shoulders.

Azalea looks at Shannen oddly as she is hugged. She doesn't respond, either to the questions or to the embrace.

Hitherby comments, "Yum. Flowers."

Aron sets down his coffee, barely in time. He accepts the embrace stoically and murmurs, "Good evening, Shannen. It has been some time."

Shannen grins and giggles at Aron "It has you big lug! Where've you been, huh?" She sticks her tongue out at him "And after I brought that special coffee back for you." She shakes her finger at him and grins "Okay, I missed you all a lot - even.." she looks over at Azalea "Azalea?"

Aron takes a moment to pick up his coffee mug. He glances at Azalea - sympathetically, perhaps - and leans back in his chair. He waits.

Azalea says "Yes."

Azalea says "Aron can tell you, far better than I, what it is we're doing."

Shannen ohs and nods, grinning "It's great to meet you, you know. I love meeting new people and wow - here you are. How long have you been around here?" She kinda nudges Aron with her elbow "And what's the job, huh?"

Aron sips his coffee, then sets the mug down. "We have to find a Balseraph of Gluttony."

Shannen opens her mouth slightly and begins to nod slowly "Ooooooookay."

Hitherby hums, seriously, "Unfortunately, this is not their mating season, which makes locating them difficult."

Aron peers at some portion of Hitherby.

Shannen giggles. "I like that!"

Hitherby reclines insociantly on Aron's shoulder with the air of a bug that knows no guilt.

Aron's lips twitch. He says only, however, "Her name is Usha."

Shannen oohs "That's a pretty name. Kinda like Ursa - the bear. Umm, why do we have to find her?"

Aron says "But more like Usha, the dancer."

Aron says "If we don't, Beleth will keep her."

Azalea says "Even though we have little real confirmation that she doesn't want to be kept."

Shannen ohs. "Usha is a dancer? Cool!" she frowns "Beleth will keep her? I'm confused now - and we don't know if she doesn't want to be kept? Huh?"

Azalea looks to Aron. "Perhaps it's best if you just explain to Shannen how she might be useful."

Aron considers his coffee. "Hm. Indeed."

Aron says "Usha was deluded, by agents of Nightmare and Technology, into believing she had Redeemed into a Seraph of Flowers."

Aron says "Understand: this was a nightmare."

Shannen frowns and bites her lip "Why? That's not really.. hrm.. Flowers? Why? Poor dear .. do you know if she's okay, that must have been awful." She lets out a small sigh.

Aron says "It was awful."

Aron says "I saw in her a potential to redeem. Only that, but still. My Lady, also, wishes to see this one."

Shannen nods slowly, continuing to frown "We must do everything we can to help her! Oh my, that .. brute! That was so mean of them, I.." She shuts up, putting on a rather sympathetic look.

Aron says "Had I the capacity to exact revenge on Beleth, I would do it."

Aron looks, strangely enough, sheepish.

Azalea sips her coffee.

Aron says "So, it would seem that Flowers deserves a representative in this."

Azalea inquires, mildly, "What do Flowers do?"

Hitherby thoughtfully starts up a bird and sends it towards the local Animals-Tether to inform the Seneschal where she will be. Someone else would need to take over her assignment if she gets soul-killed by an uppity demon.

Shannen umms and grins brightly "For the most part, if you give them adequate water and sunlight, they grow and blossom." She clears her throat a bit "I don't know. Well, we reach out to those who need reaching, we help those who need helping. Regular party line." A bright grin.

Azalea nods, appearing to file this information away.

Hitherby hums atonally, "They provide food for all the hungry little herbivores of the world."

Shannen grins "Exactly!"

Aron says "We will begin in the Marches, Shannen. Make what preparations you feel necessary."

Hitherby radiates smugness, although no Elohim are present.

Shannen blinks "Umm. Well. Okay." She grins "Wow, you sound just a military leader." She giggles, shaking her head and gives Aron a big hug again "Okay, I'll run away and get some things done. Call me, or I'll call, or maybe we'll call each other!"

Aron returns the hug, stoically.

Aron nods. "Just so."

Azalea turns back to her coffee.

Shannen rushes off out of the room "Byebyebye everyone! See you later, and keeeep smiling!" and returns to her place.

Marath chuckles.

Azalea lifts a brow, but holds her peace.

Marath brings a jug of coffee across, and tilts it towards the cups. "Want some more?"

Aron shakes his head, bemusedly. To Marath, he nods. "Please."

Marath pours the coffee. "She does mean well, you know."

Aron nods. "Very well."

Marath says, "We can't all be like you, dear. And - a word of advice?"

Marath says, "I think she's got that gift which the Seraphim of Novalis have, of enforcing peace. That could be useful to you."

Hitherby hums approvingly. "Indeed."

Hitherby says, thoughtfully, "It strikes me that the Marches is one of the few places where I would find a weapon ... useful."

Aron says "Weapons are - curious, in the Marches."

Hitherby says "They are?"

Aron nods. "They are."

Aron says "Propriety and drama are really the most effective tools in the Marches."

Hitherby says, "I was hoping that --" A hesitant clicking and chittering. "-- Marath might loan me a talisman or relic, should I need to strike a blow. I had thought that they ... translated well. I may have misunderstood."

Hitherby says "I shall take your advice, and strive to develop an instinct for theater."

Marath says, "That's very good of you, Hitherby, but I don't actually have any talismans or relics to lend you, dear."

Hitherby turns a few bugs to look at Marath. "No offense was intended."

Marath nods. "None taken, dear. I just thought I should say."

Hitherby hums agreeably. "I had taken the armory the others were lent before to be celestial in nature." She paces in tiny circles. "A pity, really. My Seneschal will certainly have none."

Aron says "The Marches provide, as needed."

Hitherby says, "Perhaps you will demonstrate how this works, as we travel, then."

Aron nods. "I shall endeavor to do so."

<> Aron says "Of course, MY sword goes there just fine!"

<> Aron whistles innocently.

<> Demiurge laughs. The Mysterious Sword.

<> Demiurge | Laurence later explains. "Before he Fell, it belonged to ... "

<> Demiurge says "Or perhaps not. ;)"

<> arcangel giggles.

Hitherby says "Let it not be said that Hitherby of the Dominations relies on tools! I am simply --" She reflects. "Out of my element there, and this brings forth a certain fear."

---

Fiat Justitia